Brief Overview of ἐξέρχομαι (Strong’s G1831: exerchomai)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial for delving deeply into Biblical studies, as each term carries nuances that shape theological interpretations. The Greek word ἐξέρχομαι (exerchomai) is significant for both its frequent usage in the New Testament and its implications in understanding movement, departure, and transformation. It is often used in contexts that describe physical departure, spiritual emergence, or the action of going forth from a place, making it vital for interpreting numerous passages and understanding ancient Greek culture’s notions of movement and transition.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐξέρχομαι, transliterated as exerchomai [ex-ER-kho-my]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐξ (ex, “out of”) and the verb ἔρχομαι (erchomai, “to come” or “to go”), meaning “to go out” or “to come out.”
• Part of Speech: Verb; primarily middle voice, present tense, indicative mood.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To go out, come out, or depart from a place.
• To emerge or proceed out.
• To escape or be delivered from.

Similar Words: ἐκπορεύομαι (ekporeuomai) [ek-por-EU-oh-my] – Both ἐξέρχομαι and ἐκπορεύομαι can mean “to go out” or “to proceed.” However, ἐκπορεύομαι often emphasizes the origin of the movement or the source from which one is going out, whereas ἐξέρχομαι is more about the action of departing or leaving itself.

Further Insights: The verb ἐξέρχομαι is a compound word combining ἐξ (out of) and ἔρχομαι (to come or go), highlighting a movement from one place to another. This word is frequently used in both literal and metaphorical senses in Biblical texts, such as departing from a city or being released from bondage. The verb can appear in various forms depending on tense, voice, and mood.
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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Defines ἐξέρχομαι as “to come or go out” with frequent New Testament applications involving physical departure, spiritual release, or metaphorical uses such as going out from sin or a state of bondage.

Thayers: Explains ἐξέρχομαι as “to go out, depart,” used especially for departing from a place or condition, often indicating a change in status or position, such as leaving a house or a state of affliction.

Vines: Focuses on the theological implications of ἐξέρχομαι, particularly in the Gospels and Acts, where it often relates to spiritual or divine actions, such as demons leaving a person or Jesus departing from one place to another to continue His ministry.

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LSJ: Lists ἐξέρχομαι with meanings like “to go out” or “to escape,” frequently used in classical texts to describe leaving or emerging from a confined space, a situation, or a state.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Provides the definition of ἐξέρχομαι as “to issue forth” or “depart,” highlighting both physical and metaphorical exits from a specific place or condition.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 8:32: “And He said to them, ‘Go!’ And they came out [ἐξῆλθον] and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters.”
• John 10:9: “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out [ἐξελεύσεται] and find pasture.”
• Mark 1:35: “In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left [ἐξῆλθεν] the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐξέρχομαι (G1831: exerchomai)

The Greek word ἐξέρχομαι (Strong’s G1831) is a versatile verb meaning “to go out,” “to depart,” or “to come out.” It is used extensively in the New Testament to describe physical departure, spiritual emergence, or transition from one state to another. The word’s compound nature emphasizes both the movement out of a place and the process of departure, making it relevant in contexts ranging from simple travel narratives to complex theological discussions about spiritual freedom and salvation. In classical Greek literature, it similarly describes movement from one place or state to another, often with a sense of escape or release.

Did You Know?

In the New Testament, ἐξέρχομαι is often used to describe Jesus and His disciples’ movements as they traveled to preach the Gospel. It also appears in exorcism narratives, emphasizing the departure of unclean spirits from those they possess. This dual application highlights both the physical and spiritual dimensions of the term, revealing its rich and layered meanings in Biblical and classical contexts.